FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – March 31, 2023 – With the arrival of spring, homeowners and contractors are breaking ground on outdoor projects. Regardless of the project scope, it is important to prioritize safety when it comes to projects that require digging. 

As April is National Safe Digging Month, Black Hills Energy has tips for Arkansans to know what’s underground before digging in to keep communities safe.

1. Mark your planned excavation site. Spray paint a white line or place white flags around your planned excavation site. 
   • “White-lining” helps utility workers understand your digging plans and ensures utility workers appropriately mark the locations of the underground utility lines.   
2. Call or click before you dig. Whether you are a homeowner planting a shrub or a contractor using a backhoe, always “Call Before You Dig” at least two full business days in advance so utility lines can be marked. 
   • Call 811 or submit an online request at Arkansas811.com. It’s free, safe and the law. 
   • Utility workers will mark the location of buried utility lines with color-coded paint or flags. 
3.  Respect the marks. Carefully hand dig with a shovel near marked utility lines rather than use heavy equipment. 
   • Use extreme care around all utility lines. Just a nick can create a weak spot that could develop into a gas leak, cause an electrical or internet outage or result in fines, serious injury or worse.
4. Don’t rely on old line locate marks. If you do not dig within 10 business days after having the utility lines marked, contact 811 again. Utility workers will return to re-mark the lines at no charge.
   • Underground conditions can change, so never rely on outdated information.    
5. It’s the law. Failure to comply with “Call Before You Dig” laws can result in civil penalties and the cost of expensive repairs to utilities and private property. 
   • Arkansas legislators passed Act 309 of 2023 updating the Arkansas underground facilities damage prevention act.

“The safety of our customers and communities we serve along with our employees is our first priority, so using safe digging practices are critically important to reducing the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Chad Kinsley, vice president of operations at Black Hills Energy in Arkansas. “We thank Arkansas legislators and leaders for their support updating the Arkansas 811 laws as all stakeholders work together to allow excavation projects to be completed efficiently and safely.” 

If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally, or you smell the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas, immediately leave the area and first call 911 and then Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554. Do not operate any machinery or equipment that might cause a spark or create an open flame.

Visit blackhillsenergy.com/811 or Black Hills Energy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about 811 and safe digging practices.